THINNER THIN FILM. Imagine solar cells peeling off a roll like paper. We're not quite there yet, but we're a step closer.

Researchers at the University of Florida at Gainesville have developed an inexpensive method of making thin-film copper indium diselenide (CIS) cells that are thinner than a human hair. Thin film cells use layers of semiconducting material as opposed to wafers in traditional silicon cells. While the UF team has deposited the CIS layer on rigid glass, hopes are that flexible plastic could be used instead.

Efficiencies for the experimental cells are in the 8-10 percent range with a goal of 13-16 percent. If successful, the paper-thin CIS cells could be on the market in a decade or so. The research project is sponsored by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Visit the NREL at http://www.nrel.gov/ncpv/thinfilm.html .

SOLAR PUMPING POWER. Where there is no power grid and transporting fuels is impractical, solar energy can work tirelessly and bring major changes into the lives and livelihoods of people.

Loch Harris and AgraTech International have developed a compact solar powered water pump that, in tests, delivered 3 gallons per minute from a depth of 250 feet on 150 watts of solar power. The pump could provide 1500-2000 gallons per day in daylight operation. Loch Harris is eying international markets and Internet e-commerce for sales. The pump is easily shippable at about 30 inches tall weighing less than 70 pounds and should be available next year for about $3500. Visit Loch Harris at http://www.lochharris.com/press.htm .

IS SOMETHING BUILDING HERE? First, Composite Power Corporation (CPC) signs an agreement with MinneSolar Manufacturing which would lead toward the development of solar systems in the state of Nevada. Then CPC teams up with the Desert Research Institute (DRI) to work together on the research and development of transmission systems for the sale of green power to the deregulated market.. And now, CPC has signed another agreement with the Nevada Science and Technology Corridor of Nye County (NSTC) that, according to CPC, could result in the largest renewable energy project in the world today.

Nye County, near Death Valley, is the largest county in the lower 48 states, with 18,000 square miles. It has one of the nation's best angle and elevation for solar power and 350 days of sunlight each year. The location also has favorable winds and geothermal resources. Given its renewable energy friendly geography, it's no wonder the County would like to become a world showcase for renewable energy, and Nevada the Green Energy State. Visit CPC at http://www.compositepower.com/ , DRI at http://www.dri.edu/ .

COGENERATION ON LINE. Trigen's Ashley power plant in downtown St. Louis, Missouri was commissioned this week to provide steam to 128 customers in the area, and electricity to the wholesale market. The $13.5 million plant conversion offers twice the efficiency of the average U.S. power plant, and preserves a historic building. Visit Trigen at http://www.trigen.com/ .

Back Issues ENERGIES...the free weekly e-letter of products, innovation, issues and education in clean, renewable and efficient energy. Visit Green Energy News on the Web at http://www.nrglink.com for past issues. For free subscription contact bmulliken@nrglink.com. Copyright Green Energy News Inc. 7/24/99 vol.4 no.16.